What Princess Beatrice’s kiss on the cheek from Prince William really means

Marisa Laudadio Tue, June 9, 2026 at 11:19 PM UTC

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A warm greeting between Prince William and Princess Beatrice sparked fresh debate over whether the future king is softening his stance toward the York side of the family. By: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA; MEGA

It was a brief greeting that lasted only seconds. But Prince William's kiss on the cheek for Princess Beatrice at their cousin Peter Phillips' wedding to Harriet Sperling on June 6 has become one of the most talked-about royal moments of the month so far.

But according to The Daily Beast royal editor Tom Sykes, the gesture might have had less to do with personal affection and more to do with the changing power dynamics inside the House of Windsor as King Charles III continues his cancer recovery.

And the timing is worth noting, as William's public gesture came just as fresh scrutiny was being directed at royal property arrangements involving the York family and amid new questions about how William intends to run the monarchy when he eventually becomes king.

Prince William is 'distrustful' and 'nervous'

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have found themselves back in the spotlight after a government report revealed that King Charles III covers the cost of their discounted royal residences despite neither sister serving as a working royal. By: James Whatling / MEGA

As Sykes explained it, William's interaction with Beatrice stood out because the Prince of Wales has long been viewed as cautious about his cousins' role within the monarchy. According to Sykes, William is "very distrustful of the York princesses and nervous about their ability to contaminate the larger brand."

The concern comes from the ongoing fallout surrounding Beatrice and sister Princess Eugenie's father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The former Duke of York was forced to step back from royal duties amid mounting questions about his friendship with predator Jeffrey Epstein. More recently, he's faced renewed attention after losing his royal titles and being arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

More recently, the former Prince Andrew has faced fresh scrutiny over his finances after Britain's National Audit Office released a report revealing he had been subletting three cottages on his former Windsor estate, Royal Lodge, despite only paying what's been described as a "peppercorn rent" himself.

The NAO report further revealed that Beatrice and Eugenie have also benefited, with both enjoying discounted housing arrangements funded through income from the king's Duchy of Lancaster estate.

That's why the public display of affection attracted so much attention. Rather than viewing the moment as evidence of a reconciliation, Sykes suggested it may have actually reflected an effort by senior royals to present a united front during a period of renewed scrutiny for The Firm.

Why the king wanted unity on display

King Charles III's improving health might be allowing the monarch to reassert authority within the family, including over how the York princesses are treated. By: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

According to Sykes, the wedding offered a look at how the balance of power inside the royal family could be shifting once again.

When Charles announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024, many observers believed influence was gradually moving toward William as preparations quietly began for his future reign.

Now, however, there's growing optimism surrounding the king's health. Sykes wrote that Charles' treatment is progressing better than expected and that aides have become increasingly confident about his long-term outlook.

As a result, Sykes believes Charles is once again asserting authority within the family — and that his authority is being respected. "Yesterday was an expression of Charles pulling power back," Sykes wrote.

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The way William greeted his cousin, Sykes explained, might have reflected support for his father's approach rather than signaled any significant change in his own views about the York family.

"The kiss on the cheek to Beatrice was a carefully judged symbol, showing more that he is a good company man than any great fondness for Beatrice," Sykes wrote.

The York sisters' property controversy

According to the findings in a new U.K. government report, Princess Beatrice's apartment at St. James's Palace (pictured) and Princess Eugenie's cottage at Kensington Palace are rented at reduced rates, with King Charles III covering the cost through his Duchy of Lancaster estate income. By: MEGA

The wedding took place just days after new revelations about royal property arrangements involving Beatrice and Eugenie were made public.

The National Audit Office report confirmed that Beatrice's apartment at St. James's Palace and Eugenie's home at Kensington Palace have both been rented for them at below-market rates, with the king covering the costs from his Duchy of Lancaster income — an arrangement that began when Queen Elizabeth II was sovereign.

The report renewed debate about the role of non-working royals and whether the arrangements they enjoy are appropriate. The findings also fueled questions about whether future monarchs should continue subsidizing housing for relatives who don't carry out official duties.

According to a separate report in The Sunday Times, William is still considering a different approach for the future.

Sources close to the Prince of Wales told the newspaper that he wants to ensure the monarchy is "fit for purpose in the modern era" and plans to "look under the hood" of the institution when it's his turn to reign.

The Times also reported that William will consider "stopping those who do no official duties from living rent-free in palaces."

The future king is said to be "mindful of how much the monarchy costs" and intends to be "hands on" when it comes to restructuring the institution, according to the newspaper.

Don't get it twisted

Sources told 'The Sunday Times' that Prince William wants a monarchy that is 'fit for purpose in the modern era' and that he's expected to review royal housing arrangements when he ascends the throne. By: ALPR / AdMedia / MEGA

Perhaps the most revealing detail, according to Sykes, is that the report about William's future plans emerged just hours after the wedding photographs. While images of William greeting Beatrice were circulating online, the Times was publishing its story about non-working royals facing stricter property rules under a William reign.

To Sykes, the message is clear. William might have been willing to publicly support family unity at a wedding, but that doesn't mean he'll preserve existing privileges.

As the royal expert put it, William's position was being spelled out "with crystal clarity" — that is, "Don't read too much into a kiss on the cheek," he wrote.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”